The Great Wall in Badaling

The Great Wall constitutes one of the most important constructions ever built by the Chinese civilization, taking part as one of the 7 major wonders of the world. Badaling Great Wall, representing the most important part which was promoted as a key national cultural relic.In 1988, the Great Wall became part of the UNESCO, being enlisted in the World Cultural Heritage Directory.

Badaling Great Wall is situated in Yanqing County; it is possible to get there by Travel to Beijing as the site is situated no more than 75 kilometres (43 miles) north of the Chinese capitol. This part of the wall is considered one of the most important, as it represents the well-preserved section of the Great Wall, constructed by the Ming dynasty (1368-1644). The site is easy to access thanks to Beijing Tours which organises visits of the site on a daily basis.

The Great wall was originally functioned as a fortification,already during the Qin Dynasty (221BC- 206BC). Indeed thanks to its average attitude almost 1,000 meters, it made the site an insurmountable military stronghold for invaders. Experts define the wall as a dragon winding through the mountain ranges.

As previously said the wall has always functioned as a defence indeed Qinshihuang, the first China emperor and its creator, after have unified the whole nation began to construct the Great Wall to protect China’borders from nomadic invasion. Later during the Ming Dynasty the Bandaling area of the wall was built and reinforced even further, in order to provide defence for the capital against Mongolian populations.

The structure is mainly built with compact earth, stones and tree trunks; the inside of the Wall is characterized by small holes to allow archers to shoot arrows. The Wall also has fortifications all along the way, usually situated on top of some of the mountain mainly used for fire warning signals, to communicate the enemy position and number.

Nowadays the Great wall still represents an imposing structure measuring 6352; it constitutes the biggest handmade building ever made. Badaling Great Wall has been the first part of the great Wall opened to tourists attracting tens of millions of tourists both from home and abroad. More than 370 foreign leaders and celebrities have visited the site.

Tourists visiting the site are strongly advised to wear conformable shoes and bring a bottle of water as the visit requires a long walk of almost 4 hours, especially during the hottest season, where the temperatures can reach 36 degrees. Furthermore along the way is possible to exchange few words with the local experiencing not only the history and culture but also the language.

The Great Wall of China is a must see attraction that each tourist should have on his background especially when they Flight to Beijing. It gives the opportunity to escape from the busy routine and city life. For those tourists which would like to enjoy the wall in a different way without walking too much, the area provides a rollercoaster which gives the opportunity to spot fantastic picture and reach one of the top hills.